Celebrate Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox is fast approaching, and with it, an annual celebration to welcome springtime. This year the Spring Equinox lands on March 20. We will continue seeing an increase in the length of our days afterwards and can look forward to warmer weather and more light, which lets us spend our time outdoors exploring the budding spring.

Here are five ways to celebrate Spring Equinox in Door County:

1. Guided Hikes at The Ridges

While The Ridges is open year-round, this time of year we start to see things coming back to life on the 1,600 acre preserve. The land is home to nearly 500 different species of plants, including 25 native species of orchids, more than 60 species of birds, and 12 threatened/endangered species.

Come to the center in Baileys Harbor and join a Ridges naturalist as he or she takes you through the preserve and points out all there is to see. Snowshoe rentals are available for these hikes if there is sufficient snow cover. 

Make sure to check out Ridges' Blossoming Calendar for a more detailed breakdown of when things will actually bloom on the property.

2. Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing might start with the fall of winter snows, but it can be even more fun with the slightly warmer temperatures and a little bit of sun to warm your face. The sun hits the crystalline snow, creating beautiful, twinkling trails to enjoy.

No ski equipment? Not to worry! There are plenty of places that offer rentals. Glide along the trails in Peninsula State Park after stopping by Nor Door Sport & Cyclery. Check out its adult and youth ski packages and then head across the street to the entrance of the park.

The store also has maps available. Bay Shore Outfitters in Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay also offer ski rentals, so you can explore the trails available in both northern and southern Door County.

3. Plan Your Cherry Blossom Trip

March and April are a bit early to see the cherry blossoms, but it is a good time to plan your trip so you can see the blossoms when they are at their peak. While there is some guesswork involved, the cherry trees are usually expected to bloom from mid-to-late May. Check out our page for All Things Cherry in Door County and see where you can view the blossoms.

4. Explore the Wine Trail

For a small peninsula, Door County has a large concentration of wineries. The Door County Wine Trail is composed of eight different wineries, all of which create their own unique styles and flavors.

The best way to check out what it has to offer is by hopping aboard the Door County Trolley for its Premier Wine Tour. It is the best way to explore while protecting yourself from the last vestiges of the spring chill. The Wine Tour features a few businesses, includes tastings, and provides a lunch. It is a fun time for the wine novice or connoisseur.

5. Try Out Silent Sports

As the snow starts to melt away in the spring, the roads are starting to clear up enough for the return of silent sports races in the county. Start off your spring and get motivated with the Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k on May 4. Make sure to spare some energy for the other two May runs—the Door County YMCA Blossom Run on May 11, and the annual Maifest Run on May 26. Hop into full gear for the Peninsula Century Spring Classic, and after the ride get your tasting on for the Door County Beer Festival on June 15.